Holy Cross recognized for patient outcome excellence

The New Mexico Department of Health honored rural hospitals and practioners earlier this month for National Rural Health Day.

"National Rural Health Day gives us a chance to recognize the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face and to showcase how we are working together with rural healthcare providers to address those challenges," said New Mexico Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher. "It's also an opportunity for us to applaud the ongoing efforts, contributions, and collaborations in our rural communities."

Holy Cross Hospital in Taos was among six rural hospitals recognized for patient outcomes and patient satisfaction when compared to all acute care hospitals in the nation. These rankings have been determined through iVantage Health Analytics' Hospital Strength Index. Other hospitals recognized were Carlsbad Medical Center, Nor-Lea Hospital, Gila Regional Medical Center, Presbyterian Española Hospital and Socorro General Hospital.

"Meeting the unique healthcare needs of our rural citizens is constantly evolving," said Lynn Carroll, Director of the state Public Health Division. "As rural communities face accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers, an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of uninsured and underinsured citizens, we must work together to improve access to, and the quality of, health care for our rural citizens."

Approximately 465,000 people - nearly one in four New Mexicans - live in rural communities throughout the state. For more information about the NMDOH Office of Primary Care & Rural Health, visit nmhealth.org/about/phd/hsb/oprh/.